Top Yoga Exercises
There are many different kinds of yoga in the world and
often people don’t understand the specific kind of yoga exercise that is
suitable for them. In fact, very few folks know that there are different kinds
of yoga, each of which entails different things. Below is an exposition of the
different kinds of yoga available today:
1. Vinyasa Yoga
This is perhaps the most popular kind of yoga exercise that
is taught in most gyms and studios. Vinyasa simply means syncing breath with
movement, and the postures are often done in a flowing sequence or what experts
would like to call the vinyasa flow. These fluid movements are easily learnt
and can be done in a manner akin to meditation – something close to a dance.
But why is this kind of yoga exercise popular worldwide?
According to experts, the popularity of this kind of yoga exercise owes to the
fact that it entails sensual movements, enthralling music, is practiced in a
dark room (and sometimes a candlelit room with both eyes of the student closed)
2. Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga basically means eight limbs. It is widely believed
that Ashtanga traces its roots to the traditional Indian yoga. Like vinyasa,
the ashtanga often links breath with one’s movement as one pounds through a
sequence of postures.
This kind of yoga was introduced to the United States by one
Sri. K Pattabhi at the turn of the 20th century, and has since
spread to almost all the corners of the world.
Ashtanga yoga usually consists of Sun Salutation A and B,
standing and closing sequence. The movements are often done without music and
sometimes in complete silence.
3. Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga bears close resemblance to Ashtanga Yoga, and
was popularized around the same time as Ashtanga Yoga. This kind of yoga exercise
is named after one B.K.S. who was a famous yogi in India.
The exercise is practiced by way of alignment in the
postures using breath control, and it employs props such as blankets, bolsters,
straps and blocks. The exercise is taught without music and at a slow pace so
as to allow students get deeper in the postures.
4. Bikram Yoga
This kind of yoga exercise was invented by a person called
Bikram Choudhury somewhere in the 1970s. It is the same Bikram who introduced
the practice to California from India.
The exercise basically comprises of the usual twenty six
yoga postures and breathing exercises. Two of them. Each session is designed to
be conducted for ninety minutes in a room that has 40 percent humidity and that
is 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
The room or class needs to be bright enough and bedecked
with mirrors so that students can check if they are properly aligned and
standing in the correct posture. This type of yoga also doesn’t require music.
5. Jivamukti Yoga
Jivamkuti Yoga when translated to English means a liberated
being. It was created in the year 1984 in New York city by two partners, David
Life and Sharon Gannon. The exercise integrates some form of chants, movements
and postures with a theme or lesson for each class. The exercise has both
spiritual and physical dimensions.
6. Power Yoga
Power yoga is an upgraded or better version of the ancient
Hatha Yoga poses, since its poses are swifter and with extra upper body work
and core exercises. The sequences are not consistent and the practice often
includes upbeat music. In fact, depending on the studio that is hosting the
class, Vinyasa yoga can easily be considered power yoga.
7. Sivananda Yoga
Sivananda yoga was introduced to the United States in 1957
by a person called Swami Vishnudevananda. This kind of yoga exercise is based
on five yogic principles, and that is relaxation, proper breathing, exercise,
diet, and positive thinking. The five yogic principles often work in synergy to
create a healthy yogic lifestyle.
The Asana class is actually 12 elementary postures and/or
alternatives of the Asanas with sun salutations and no music.
8. Yin Yoga
This is a meditative exercise that permits the body to get
into a comfort zone during a pose without you doing any work. This kind of yoga
exercise is also referred to as Taoist yoga and is focused on elongating the
connective tissues within an individual’s body. The practice is designed to
supplement or complement muscle forming yoga practices or yang yoga.
In yang yoga, the muscles are ordinarily permitted to relax
with rest and gravity, and this kind of posture is aided with props. There is
usually little if any music during such sessions.
Conclusion
There are several other forms of yoga exercise, and they
vary across the board, especially in this vast world with its very innovative
people. Each of the existing yoga practices is unique in its own way and has
its distinct benefits. Therefore, if and when you meet a studio that works
right for you, just stick by it. Integrate the yoga practices into your daily
routine. Let them become a lifestyle, and in due time, you’ll start harvesting
the fruits of consistency and dedication.
In case you are embarking on a new exercise regimen, dive
into it with an open mind. Discard the many expectations or prejudices you
might have – and once you do so, you possibly might surprise yourself when you
find joy and fulfillment in something you did not think was going to work for
you.
Also, don’t shy away from trying a variety of the listed and
non-listed yoga moves. Sometimes it is advisable to mix up. Granted, certain
yoga trainers will try to discourage you from straying, but it is about you and
what is beneficial to you in the long run. Try as many exercises as you can
manage depending on the strength of your body and soul – because the different
exercises come with different but equally useful aspects.
And, lastly, whatever the yoga practice, make sure to
embrace it with love, grace, and confidence. You can always be sure that
results will loudly manifest themselves sometime after you embark on the
exercise. May be not the next day or week or month- but they certainly will,
sometime.